The whole family is invited as the London Australian Film Festival steps into the sunny world of Alison Lester’s iconic children’s book, MAGIC BEACH, which has been brought to wonderful life by Robert Connolly (Blueback, Paper Planes) and an array of Australian animators.
After reading Lester’s book, nine children (and one dog) find themselves transported to their own magical beaches, where their adventures are brought to life via a series of vivid animations. From stop-motion pirates and claymation duels, to undersea watercolours and hand-painted impressionism, this beautiful collection of short films explores the power and magic of imagination.
Featuring the animation work of Emma Kelly, Pierce Davison, Simon Rippingale, Marieka Walsh, Lee Whitmore, Kathy Sarpi, Susan Danta, Eddie White, Jake Duczynski and Anthony Lucas, this magical film is a perfect Sunday afternoon treat for the entire family!
With thanks to Robert Connolly and Arenamedia.
WHY WE CHOSE THIS FILM
Laila (LAFF director): “As a bookseller in Australia in the 1990s, I must have sold thousands of copies of this family favourite picture book – Alison Lester is Australia’s Julia Donaldson. It’s such a beautiful story that travels very well internationally. Both children and adults will really love this film and the mixture of animation and real-life footage give this film a delightful extra texture in Rob Connolly’s (Paper Planes, The Dry) very capable hands.”
Stephen (LAFF co-programmer): "By transforming Lester’s illustrations into a feast of animated shorts, Connolly and co. have mastered the tricky task of turning a picture book into a feature film, and there really is something for everyone in this magical mix of animation and live action."
After reading Lester’s book, nine children (and one dog) find themselves transported to their own magical beaches, where their adventures are brought to life via a series of vivid animations. From stop-motion pirates and claymation duels, to undersea watercolours and hand-painted impressionism, this beautiful collection of short films explores the power and magic of imagination.
Featuring the animation work of Emma Kelly, Pierce Davison, Simon Rippingale, Marieka Walsh, Lee Whitmore, Kathy Sarpi, Susan Danta, Eddie White, Jake Duczynski and Anthony Lucas, this magical film is a perfect Sunday afternoon treat for the entire family!
With thanks to Robert Connolly and Arenamedia.
WHY WE CHOSE THIS FILM
Laila (LAFF director): “As a bookseller in Australia in the 1990s, I must have sold thousands of copies of this family favourite picture book – Alison Lester is Australia’s Julia Donaldson. It’s such a beautiful story that travels very well internationally. Both children and adults will really love this film and the mixture of animation and real-life footage give this film a delightful extra texture in Rob Connolly’s (Paper Planes, The Dry) very capable hands.”
Stephen (LAFF co-programmer): "By transforming Lester’s illustrations into a feast of animated shorts, Connolly and co. have mastered the tricky task of turning a picture book into a feature film, and there really is something for everyone in this magical mix of animation and live action."
REVIEWS
“This is a film about nature and creation; the amazing world around us and the art we use to reflect its awesomeness.”
Luke Buckmaster (The Guardian)
“an antidote to the hypercharged Hollywood animations that have come to dominate our children’s screens”
Michael Bodley (Australian Financial Review)
Watch a video (below) of author Alison Lester reading the original book, overlooking the actual Magic Beach :)
FINSBURY PARK PICTUREHOUSE
17 City North Place, Islington, London, N4 3FU, United Kingdom
NEAREST TUBE: Finsbury Park
